Sep 16 2015 in the Post and Courier “Editorials” Charleston, SC daily newspaper
“Clap Your Hands” is an organization started by a local grandmother, Sue Desautels. This organization was inspired by her granddaughter, who was born with several disabilities, had a stroke at birth and suffered many seizures a day. The family was warned she would never be able to grow up and do simple things like clap her hands.
Sue thought sewing loops to her granddaughter’s clothes would help her become more independent and dress herself as she grew. She did not sew, so she watched YouTube videos to learn how.
Through research she learned weighted blankets, vests, lap and neck pads and toys benefited children diagnosed with autism, ADHD, Asperger’s and cerebral palsy. After therapists saw the improvement in Sue’s granddaughter and others because of these free-of-charge therapeutic products, “Clap Your Hands” became an organization that is now 501(c)(3) non-profit under disabilities.
Last year “Clap Your Hands” made and donated 500 therapeutic products free-of-charge and set a goal to this year donate 800 products. Sue credits a young man with terminal cancer with helping her found and organize “Clap Your Hands.”
This organization survives on donations for therapeutic products made by Sue Desautels and volunteers.
It would be wonderful if some organizations and businesses in Charleston, Dorchester and Berkley counties supported “Clap Your Hands.” Donations can be sent to Clap Your Hands, P.O. Box 51322, Summerville, S.C. 29485 or http://www.gofundme.com/clap-your-hands.
Volunteers wishing to help in a workshop sewing bee to benefit “Clap Your Hands” may reach Sue Desautels at her email claphands123@gmail.com.
June Griggs
South Constellation Drive
North Charleston
to see on the web: http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150916/PC1002/150919530/1021/
